Achievements

from North West Highlands Geopark Ltd Annual Report 2022

Our strategic objectives

Promote

The number of instances that the Geopark is mentioned by third parties in strategies, policies, publications, podcasts and press is steadily rising NWHG and Wester Ross Biosphere operational teams met in Ullapool for a workshop on developing our missions, values, and communications Walker’s Guide to Coigach and Assynt sold more than 50% of stock (1082 copies) within first year Launched new book “Mnathan na Coigach (The Women of Coigach”) by Lisa MacDonald contributing to the promotion of Gaelic language and culture The Visit Scotland UNESCO National Trail

Achievements

Conserve

Met with Highland Adapts to establish how a partnership could work Engaged with NatureScot on monitoring requirements for protected sites Arranged for Highland Adapts to attend the UK UNESCO Global Geoparks workshop on climate action Participation in Natural Capital Audit as part of NorthWest 2045 “It’s a Land Thing” and “What does the land do for you?” – Events as part of the Highland Climate Festival with NorthWest 2045

What does the land do for you? Event

Achievements

Engage

Built a network of 53 confident Geopark ambassadors and supporters Delivered more than 20 events attended by over 1000 individuals Grew our Friends network to almost 160 individuals Developed an exhibition on ‘Soils as Bridges between the physical and living worlds’ Published a video and e-booklet “Identifying areas of fertile soil in Coigach & Assynt” Completed an initial phase of Marine Heritage consultation and research Delivered Geopark Source to Sea workshop for North West Sutherland schools Recorded Rock Route podcasts Built a new ranger hut at Clachtoll beach carpark

The new Clachtoll Ranger Hut

Achievements

Develop

Graduate project placements with the University of Glasgow MSc programs in Earth Futures and Environmental Futures. Met with a range of partners to discuss and further Vision for the region Wrote to Scottish Government to ask for Policy Support and Core Funding for Geoparks ‘Young Voices’ survey to gather views on future work from school age children Responded to several Scottish Government Consultations on behalf of the Geopark Charity Highland Council created a NorthWest2045 Regional Land Use Partnership as a result of our promotion of the Geopark as the area of the North West 2045 vision Attended Reay Forest estate careers open day

Geopark MSc students Eilidh and Rab

Achievements

Manage

Measured our own organisational Carbon Footprint Prepared our first Operational Plan Established staff induction and management processes Updated our business plan for 2022 – 2025 Participation in the Global Geopark Network online conference November 2021 as we use the UNESCO Global Geopark framework a planning reference

Geopark Ambassador training

Achievements

Finance

Engaged a fundraising professional to provide extra capacity and support. Successful funding bids, including full cost recovery for the charity, for the £350,00 ACT Geopark* Programme;

National Lottery Heritage Fund (£174,243) ✓ SSE Highland Sustainable Development Fund (£61153) ✓ Highland Coastal Communities Fund (£53250) ✓ National Lottery Community Fund (Together for Our Planet) (£9960) ✓ EB Scotland (£5250) ✓ David Doig Foundation (£3000) ✓ Essentia Foundation (£1500) ✓ North Highland Initiative (£1000)